Some people transport us beyond our blind spots and comfort zones一introducing us to a chorus of diverse voices echoing across God’s kingdom, from both church history and our own age.
Jared Alcántara is one of those guides.
Growing up in a bi-cultural home in a diverse low-income neighborhood, and now as Professor of Preaching at Truett Theological Seminary, his homiletics classes prominently feature Black, Latino(a), and Asian North American preachers. He’s written two books on one of his preaching heroes, Gardner C. Taylor.
Jared talks with Steve Carter about his book, The Practices of Christian Preaching, which offers four practical ways to grow as a communicator:
Jared explains that, although receiving feedback is vulnerable and humbling, no preacher, regardless of pedigree, can avoid plateauing without it. Ultimately, growth is not about accruing accolades or platform building: it’s so listeners will see and savor the beauty of God and the gospel.
Jared’s books about Gardner Taylor:
Learning From A Legend: What Gardner C. Taylor Can Teach Us About Preaching
Crossover Preaching (his dissertation)
Learning from a Legend: 2 life lessons we can learn from Gardner C. Taylor.
Jared’s other books:
The Practices of Christian Preaching: Essentials For Effective Proclamation
Book by Matthew Kim & Daniel Wong:
Finding Our Voice: A Vision For Asian North American Preaching
Book by K. Anders Ericsson:
Peak: How All of Us Can Achieve Extraordinary Things
@jaredealcantara
@steveryancarter
@craft_character
Steve Carter is the Lead Pastor at Christ Church of Oak Brook and is helping to champion the Preaching Institute to equip pastors on how to preach hospitable and transformational messages. Steve hosts the Craft and Character Podcast, which ignites preachers to grow in their craft while always intentionally working to have their character lead the way. He has also authored two best-selling books, Grieve, Breathe, Receive, and The Thing Beneath The Thing. Steve lives outside Chicago with his wife, Sarah, and their two kids. When Steve isn’t hanging around with his family, friends, or church community, you will probably find him watching a University of Michigan football game.
